Victims testify in trial of Ruben Vardanyan over landmine injuries

Victims injured in landmine explosions have begun giving testimony in the trial of Armenian national Ruben Vardanyan, who is facing multiple charges under Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, including crimes against humanity, war crimes, and terrorism.

At the April 22 hearing, held as part of the criminal proceedings against Vardanyan, several victims of landmine incidents—many of whom have suffered amputations—appeared before the court to recount their experiences, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

One of the victims, Hasanali Aliyev, testified that on February 4, 2024, he stepped on a landmine while grazing livestock near his home. “As a result, the lower third of my left leg had to be amputated,” he told the court. According to reports, most of the victims who appeared in court used crutches or walking sticks due to their injuries.

The court session continued with the testimonies of other mine blast survivors, many of whom described similar traumatic incidents caused by explosive devices allegedly planted by Armenian forces in previously occupied Azerbaijani territories.

Ruben Vardanyan is facing a long list of serious charges, including planning and waging an aggressive war (Articles 100.1 and 100.2), deportation and forced displacement (Article 107), persecution (Article 109), enforced disappearances (Article 110), torture (Article 113), violation of the laws and customs of war (Article 115.2), murder and attempted murder with aggravating circumstances (Articles 120.2 and 29.120.2), terrorism and financing of terrorism (Articles 214 and 214-1), the establishment of a criminal organisation (Articles 218.1 and 218.2), and illegal possession and use of weapons and explosives (Article 228.3), among others.

The list of charges also includes actions posing a threat to aviation safety (Articles 270-1.2 and 270-1.4), attempts to violently seize or maintain power (Article 278.1), creation of illegal armed groups (Articles 279.1–279.3), and unlawful crossing of Azerbaijan’s state border (Article 318.2).

Vardanyan, a former "high-ranking official" in the self-styled regime established in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region during its occupation, was detained by Azerbaijani authorities following the restoration of sovereignty over the region in 2023.

The trial is ongoing.

By Vugar Khalilov